Susan Hawke : April 2014

Wednesday 30 April 2014

Grow your own edible garden

(NC)—If you're looking for a spring and summer activity that will provide you with healthy and delicious food all summer long why not try growing your own produce? Peter Cantley, a garden guru at Real Canadian Superstore, gives us some of his favourite fruits and veggies that can be grown at home.

Savoury salads – These days, you can grow virtually all the fixin's for your summer salads right in your own backyard. From delicious heirloom tomatoes, to refreshing cucumbers, crisp radishes and savoury herbs, the possibilities to make your salads come to life are endless. To give your salad real depth, try a variety of greens like romaine mixed with batavian or butterhead lettuce. For added easy nutrition, plant the PC Kale bowl (an exclusive at Loblaw garden centres) or add fresh basil leaves from the PC Longfoot Basil tree. This plant can be grown outside in the garden or on the patio in the summer and placed on the window inside the house in the winter for you to enjoy fresh all year long.

Fruits of your labour – Canadian summers provide the perfect climate for growing the freshest fruit your family will ever taste, and it's easier than you think. If you're looking for something completely different, try a fig plant, which can be left outside over the winter in most areas of Canada.

Berry tasty – You'll never taste fresher berries than the ones you grow right in your own backyard. And what's more, these tasty little plants add the perfect pop of colour to any outdoor space. Try juicy blueberries or succulent strawberries to add to your summer desserts or toss into your favourite salads.

Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Tuesday 29 April 2014

Start Planning Your Next Move Now

When moving season arrives, thousands of people across the country pack up

their belongings

and move to a new home.

I've found a slew of 'moving' articles that are impressive.

Enjoy. Here.

Monday 28 April 2014

The Best Season to Sell Your Home—and Why

Timing really is everything when it comes to home sales. Getting your asking price, and even attracting multiple buyers, can simply be a factor of the time of year when the home is sold.

Spring and Summer

Spring brings rain and flowers—and possibly extra green in the final sales price of your home. Families like to move during the summer when there’s a break in the school calendar so they don’t have to pull their children from class, and so they are well-settled before the new school year. Plus, it’s often easier to move in the warm spring and summer months than during winter snows.

50% of homes are sold during the summer.

Source

Like A Hawke, Susan Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

What Do Homebuyers Want?

Buyer Preferences

The National Association of REALTORS®’s 2013 Home Features Survey gathered information from purchasers to find out what they bought and what features mattered most to them. According to the survey, the majority of buyers want more closet and storage space. If you can emphasize this space in your home by emptying some of your closets, you are more likely to attract top dollar for your property.

In addition, 65% of buyers said a home with central air conditioning was very important. In fact, this is the most important of 31 features listed by the NAR.

NAR’s study showed that buyers were willing to pay the most extra money for a home with a basement and an in-law suite, but, as always, upgraded kitchens were a priority, too.

While granite countertops are definitely a popular choice, only 20% of buyers said that particular type of surface was very important. Stainless steel appliances were considered very important by 17% of buyers. More important than those specific features were new appliances and an eat-in kitchen. So, as a seller, if you have limited money but want to upgrade your dated kitchen, you may be better off spending the money on new appliances instead of new counters.

Home purchasers in 2013 emphasized practicality with their focus on storage, space and appliances: 89% bought a home with a laundry room, 78% bought a home with a garage, 57% bought a home with a fireplace and 41% bought a home with a basement.

READ the whole article here.

Like A Hawke, Susan Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Thursday 24 April 2014

Add Pancake Punch to Mother's Day Brunch

(NC) Are you thinking about whipping up something special to serve on Mother's Day? Why not combine two of her favourite treats to create carrot cake pancakes? The recipe was created for the Almond Board of California by Emily Richards, author of Get In The Kitchen and COOK. Mixed with nutritious almonds, a dash of cinnamon and finished with a delicious cream cheese fruit sauce, the originality is sure to add a special touch and melt mom's heart all in one bite.

Carrot Cake Almond Pancakes

Makes: 16 pancakes

Ingredients

Pancakes:

1 1/2 cups (375 mL) whole wheat flour

1/2 cup (125 mL) ground almonds

2 tbsp. (30 mL) granulated sugar

1 tbsp. (15 mL) baking powder

1 tsp. (5 mL) ground cinnamon

Pinch fresh ground nutmeg

1 2/3 cups (400 mL) vanilla almond milk

1 egg

2 tbsp. (30 mL) canola oil

1 cup (250 mL) grated carrots

1/4 cup (60 mL) golden raisins

Cream Cheese Yogurt Drizzle:

1/4 cup (60 mL) 0% Greek yogurt

2 tbsp. (30 mL) light cream cheese, softened

4 tbsp. (60 mL) vanilla almond milk

1/2 cup (125 mL) diced fresh strawberries

2 cups (500 mL) quartered fresh strawberries

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, almonds, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg; set aside.

In another bowl, whisk together almond milk, egg and canola oil. Pour over flour mixture and stir until smooth. Stir in carrots and raisins.

Heat a non-stick griddle or a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Ladle 1/4 cup (60 mL) of the batter onto griddle. Cook for about 2 minutes or until bubbles appear on top. Using spatula, flip pancake and cook another 1 minute or until golden. Repeat with remaining batter. (Alternatively, use 1/8 cup (30 mL) measure to make smaller pancakes.)

Cream Cheese Yogurt Drizzle: Meanwhile, in a bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat together yogurt, cream cheese and almond milk until smooth and runny. Stir in strawberries.

Spoon drizzle over pancakes and top with berries.

This recipe has been evaluated by the Heart and Stroke Foundation registered dietitians and is part of a healthy diet based on recommendations in Canada's Food Guide.

More recipes can be found online at almonds.com.

Wednesday 23 April 2014

7 Easy Ways to Bring the Spring Indoors

It's been a harsh winter and most of us are more than ready for spring and all the great things that get us outdoors. But wouldn't it be nice to bring the spring season inside, too?

Here's a checklist of small jobs that will make an instant difference in how your home looks and feels this spring.

Wash your windows – or call to have them professionally done. You'll want a clear view of all the beautiful things happening outside.
Dust lamps, light fixtures and light bulbs, and wash the winter dust off your blinds. Your home will feel much more fresh and bright.
Deep clean your carpets, upholstery and curtains. Also change out your bedding with lighter fabrics that are more suitable for the warmer temperatures.
Reset your fans to move counter-clockwise to create a light, cooling breeze. (In the winter, your fans should run clockwise to distribute the rising warm air throughout the room.)
Start storing away your winter clothes and putting away your winter tools and toys. You probably won't need those skis, snow shovels or ice scrapers for a while.
Sweep or power wash outside the front and back doors. Replace weathered doormats for a nice welcome into your home.

After you have these basics out of the way, relax and enjoy the blossoms, warmer breezes and all the best of spring.

If you're thinking about selling your home, these jobs are a good start in preparing your home for sale.

Tuesday 22 April 2014

Home Staging Trends

Gold/Brass Accents
Gold and brass are back in style! Think framed mirrors and brass bar carts. Use these types of accents sparingly.

Radiant Orchid – Color of the Year
This is a really strong color, so decorate with it in small doses. Use a purple orchid plant or accent pillow in a room. This color will add instant, current style to your home.

Navy Blue
A much easier color to work with is navy blue, which is again gaining popularity. This is a strong, neutral hue to use as an accent wall. Navy blue looks great with yellow, tan and chartreuse.

Dining Room – No Matchy Matchy
Is your dining room an empty space? Do not worry about staging this room with a full suite of matching furniture. People are using unique pieces in their dining rooms. Chairs do not have to match the table. The side board can be an old dresser.

Kitchens – Bright and White
A new trend for kitchens is white and bright. If you are not willing to paint your cabinets (and we cannot blame you), perhaps consider showing off spare, white accessories that make your kitchen seem brighter.

Outdoor Spaces
Do you have an attractive “outdoor room” that needs to be highlighted? Show off how this space can be used for entertaining purposes. Set out a few dishes to set the table for an outdoor meal or barbeque. Stage the hammock with a book and a comfy blanket.

Source

Monday 21 April 2014

Water saving tips to slow the flow

(NC) Did you know that it takes about 7,500 litres of water a day to support a standard North American lifestyle? This includes projects that are both mega (like running the power grid) and micro (like rinsing the conditioner out of your hair) – and it is double what folks elsewhere on the planet use. So how does one reduce an H2O habit? Consider some of these tips on how to conserve water:

Get A Load of This: If you throw a few pairs of jeans in your washing machine and forget to adjust the water-level setting from 'large' to 'small', you're wasting water. Since doing laundry accounts for almost 22% of indoor home water use, always set your machine to the proper load size.

Go with the Low-Flow: A low-flow showerhead can conserve 55 litres of water during a 10-minute shower. Try to take a 5-minute shower to double the savings. To do this easily, take a look at Delta Faucet's In2ition shower head with H2OKinetic technology. By sculpting the water into a unique wave pattern, these showerheads give you the feeling of more water without using more.

Fill 'Er Up: Here's a surprising statistic: Dishwashers use 15 to 20 litres of water per load, while hand-washing the same volume drinks up about 75 litres. So stack up the dinner plates, pots and pans in the dishwasher (but wait until you've got a full load before running it).

Feeling Flush: If you still have a standard toilet in your home, go buy a brick. Older toilets require a lot of water – about 13 litres per flush versus 4.84 litres for low-flow models. A brick in the tank can force some of the water to be displaced, which means you'll use less. Better yet, invest in a new water-conserving toilet.

Like A Hawke, Susan Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Thursday 17 April 2014

Traditional advice holds true for non-traditional homebuyers

(NC) Today's homebuyer doesn't always look like the traditional nuclear family of the past. A recent survey for TD found that a quarter of Canadians who recently bought a home, or who are planning to buy one in the next two years, are doing so on their own, while 40 per cent think buying property with friends or family is a great way to get started.

Whether buying a home alone, or together with friends or family, the guiding principles remain the same. Michelle Snow, associate vice president for retail products at TD, offers some tips to help people navigate the home-buying process:

• Don't rush. Make an informed decision based on a realistic assessment of the budget, the down payment you can afford, and the type of property you want to buy.

• Set a realistic budget, taking into account all the costs associated with owning a home, like property taxes, insurance, utility bills and maintenance.

• Once your budget is set, test-drive the difference between rent and the monthly mortgage payment by making an automatic transfer of that amount into a TFSA or other savings account. This will help determine how comfortable you are with that commitment before locking in – and you'll be able to save for a bigger down payment at the same time.

• Talk to a mortgage specialist who can help you navigate the questions related to budgets, lending products and specific financing considerations related to solo and shared ownership.

More information is available at www.tdcanadatrust.com/homeownership.

Like A Hawke, Susan Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Wednesday 16 April 2014

Electricity needs should come first in kitchen renovations

(NC) - Close to 40% of Canadians say they will invest in upgrading their homes in 2014 – and kitchen renovations are a top priority.

This upgrade is popular for visual appeal, but also to increase functionality with new designs, layouts, and appliance options. Traditional kitchens are being updated to include dual ranges, separate cooktops, dishwashers, garbage disposal equipment, exhaust fans, and new electronic equipment. All of this requires careful planning, especially when it comes to your home's electrical systems.

Addressing the electricity requirements first, including repairs and upgrades, will ensure safe and reliable use of electricity for the immediate and longer term. This includes paying attention to outdated, damaged or improperly installed wiring, and upgrading panels or service to accommodate additional appliances. Finally, codes and standards are regularly updated to address electrical concerns and to adopt new safety technology and practices. Your home renovation must meet the requirements defined by current provincial electrical safety codes and standards.

A recent study conducted by the Electrical Safety Foundation International-Canada identified that electrical wiring has been modified or updated in 47% of homes. Decisions to undertake electrical upgrades were reported to be primarily influenced by homeowner concerns with ensuring safety, meeting insurance requirements, and updating to current codes and standards.

Electrical systems age, similar to other parts of your home, and require regular review and maintenance to ensure they are in good operating condition. If you are planning a renovation, take the time to talk to a qualified or licensed electrical contractor for support in making safe and responsible decisions. They can also provide you with information on new safety devices, panel and service upgrades, current codes and standards, and can assist you in identifying inspection requirements to make sure you have records to share with your insurance provider.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International Canada encourages you to share these safety steps to protect family, friends and neighbours. More information can be found online at www.esfi.ca.

Tuesday 15 April 2014

Enjoy the fresh flavours of this healthy vinaigrette

(NC)—The peanut, basil and balsamic flavours of this versatile dressing will inspire your meal menus for weeks – and the monounsaturated fats in the peanut oil are a heart-healthy type of fat. The dressing is excellent with a vegetable salad, coleslaw or noodles, brushed over grilled veggies, or even as a marinade.

Peanut Basil Vinaigrette

Prep time: 5 minutes

Makes ½ cup (125 ml)

Ingredients:

⅓ cup (75 ml) basil leaves, lightly packed

2 tbsp (30 ml) peanuts

1 large garlic clove

2 tbsp (30 ml) balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp (15 ml) peanut butter

⅓ cup (75 ml) peanut oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Finely chop basil with peanuts and garlic, and place in a bowl. Whisk in balsamic vinegar and peanut butter until combined. Whisk in peanut oil until blended. Add salt and pepper if needed.

Additional recipes can be found at www.peanutbureau.ca.

Monday 14 April 2014

Buying solo? Consider these house hunting essentials

(NC) The housing market remains active, with a quarter of Canadians either having recently bought a home or planning to do so within the next two years. And as a recent survey for TD found, a quarter of buyers are now doing so on their own rather than with another person, such as a partner or spouse.

“When making the decision to purchase a home alone, buyers need to give as much thought to the mortgage as they do their dream home,” said Michelle Snow, associate vice president for retail products at TD. “Talking to a mortgage specialist can help navigate details like the size of the down payment, amortization period, type of mortgage and payment schedule to make sure the decision is an informed one.”

A mortgage specialist can also help crunch the numbers to help solo buyers feel they can manage the associated costs of home ownership, like property taxes, insurance, utility bills, maintenance and the monthly mortgage payment, alongside their existing priorities like paying down debt and saving for the future.

“We recommend taking the monthly payments for a test drive for three to six months,” said Snow. “Find the difference between current rent payments and prospective mortgage payments, and pay it into a savings account. This way, potential buyers can see how comfortable the mortgage will be alongside existing expenses, while helping them save for a bigger down payment at the same time.”

More information and resources are available at www.tdcanadatrust.com/homeownership.

Like A Hawke,

Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Friday 11 April 2014

My Top Wall Paint Selections for Spring 2014

Source here.

Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Wednesday 9 April 2014

Top 13 Small Cities In Canada

Yes, there’s a city of the same name just across the river in Michigan. They are joined by an international bridge, and have a joint history that goes back to the 17th century. Because of the accord between the U.S. and Canada, they function almost as one city. Rapids on the St. Mary’s River impede navigation at this point. Great Lakes shipping traffic uses the busy Soo Locks, and small recreational boats transit a canal on the Canadian side.

Sault Ste Marie!!!! Ontario. Read here.

Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Tuesday 8 April 2014

Snacking tips from Olympian hockey star, Hayley Wickenheiser

(NC) When life gets busy, health and nutrition goals can fall by the wayside, until we run out of fuel. For a balanced diet, always include a protein, dietitians say, and whenever possible make it a complete protein. Including enough protein in your diet is important because it can:

• Help build and repair your muscles and tissues which may support your physical activity and/or weight management goals.

• Build antibodies which are important for immunity.

• Help to slow down the digestion of food, so you feel fuller longer.

“I rely on protein for muscle and tissue repair as well as to fuel my day,” says four time Olympic gold medalist, Hayley Wickenheiser. “Eating a complete protein is especially important to me and that is not always easy to do in our busy lives. One solution I've found is a tasty meat snack called Protinis, part of the Maple Leaf Natural Selections line. It really helps to keep my eating on track when I'm on the go.”

According to Toronto-based, registered dietitian, Sue Mah, complete protein snacks like Protinis are the perfect package of all nine essential amino acids which our bodies can't make for us. A diet that includes protein is important for kids and teens too, she says. It helps build strong muscles and also delivers energy to power through a busy day.

“We especially need protein as we get older,” Mah continues. It helps us to maintain our muscle mass and is an important source of energy. Not only that, but it also helps build antibodies which are important for immunity.”

Additional information about complete proteins is available at www.protinis.ca.

Like A Hawke,

Susan

Monday 7 April 2014

Roasted Cauliflower and Onions with Maple Soy Sauce

Roasted Cauliflower and Onions with Maple Soy Sauce

1 head of cauliflower cut into florets

2 sliced yellow onions
½ cup pumpkin seeds
½ cup soy sauce (I used organic gluten free)
¼ cup maple syrup
¼ cup olive oil.
Salt and pepper
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast

Preheat oven to 350.
Combine soy sauce, maple syrup, olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl.  Add the cauliflower, onions and pumpkin seeds.  Stir to be sure all the cauliflower and onions are coated. 
Toss onto a baking sheet, sprinkle with nutritional yeast (this will give a cheesy flavour).  Bake until cauliflower and onions begin to become slightly golden.

Chickpea Patties with Avocado – Vegan, Diary and Gluten Free Adapted from Serious Eats Recipe.

Chickpea Patties with Avocado – Vegan, Diary and Gluten Free
Adapted from Serious Eats Recipe.

½ cup bulgur wheat
½ cup fresh cilantro
½ cup fresh flat leaf parsley
½ cup fresh mint leaves
2 – 3 cloves of garlic
1 teaspoon coriander 
½  red, yellow or orange pepper
Pinch of salt and pepper
1 can chickpeas, rinsed and dried
½ cup vodka
½ cup white wine or water
½ cup almond flour
1 ½ cups Panko (or Ezekiel Bread crumbs for gluten free)
Olive oil
1 – 2 avocados
1 tsp cumin
Fresh lime juice to taste

Directions:
Cook bulgur wheat according to instructions on box.  Drain and let cool slightly.
While bulgur is cooking, add cilantro, parsley, mint, garlic, red, yellow or orange pepper and coriander to a food processor.  Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.  Add half the dried chickpease and pulse about 10 short pulses.  Transfer to bowl.
Add remaining chickpeas to the food processor and pulse until roughly chopped.  Add to the herb mixture.  Add bulgur and some salt and pepper.  Stir mixture together (you make find that mixing with your hands is best).  Into patties about 1 “ thick or so.
Whisk almond flour, vodka and wine or water in a bowl.  
Place Panko or Ezekiel crumbs into another bowl.
Dip each patty into the liquid mixture, then dip into the bread crumbs.
Heat about ½ cup of Olive Oil into a large skillet.  Add the patties and cook until golden brown on the bottom (2 to 3 minutes).  Flip to the other side and cook about 2 to 3 minutes longer.
Mash avocado.  Add cumin, salt pepper and lime juice.  Serve on top of the patties.



Go HERE for the roasted cauliflower recipe.

Colour-blocking is now an art form for your home

(NC) – First popularized by the canvases of Dutch artist Piet Mondrian, colour-blocking – literally using big blocks of colour – is everywhere this year.

“It's making its way into apparel and these patchworks of colour are showing up where it counts in home fashions as well, including carpets, textiles and window treatments,” says Barbara Schirmeister, a colour and design consultant for Hunter Douglas, a leading window fashions company.

Colour-blocking with window treatments has never been easier than with the company's new Roller Shades and Skyline Gliding Window Panels offering. The shared fabric collection has some vibrant colours that are very “now” as well as a variety of textures and patterns.

Colour-blocking can even have its place in your home's media room since the Roller Shades will darken a room more effectively with the Blockout side and sill channels that are now available.

More information is available at www.hunterdouglas.ca.

Like A Hawke, Susan Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Sunday 6 April 2014

Bring glamour to your outdoor space

(NC) There's no need to travel to the great outdoors when it can be found as close as your own backyard. All it takes is a little creativity.

Do you want an urban but homey feel, or a Zen, clean look? It is the same items that make for great rooms inside – cozy furniture, romantic lighting and creative accessories – that can bring so much character to your outdoor space. Here are some tips to create beautiful rooms beyond your back door:

Living and lounging

• Urban: For an eclectic lounge, build wooden benches directly into fences. Go classically chic with wrought iron candle lamps, striped outdoor carpets and monochromatic palettes. Portable fire pits and outdoor heaters add warmth, making your lounge a multi-season destination.

• Zen: Minimalist-lovers may craft their ideal lounge with a pergola, plus low, modern seating, cream cushions, and a flowing wall-mounted water fountain.

Dining al fresco

• Urban: Take stone garden décor, add metal or light wood furniture and you have the makings of a great dinner out. Update the look with a colourful outdoor carpet or a compact metallic table and sleek vinyl armchairs.

• Zen: Keep your outdoor dining aesthetic, clean and uncluttered with a bricked terrace and streamlined lacquered tables and chairs. For something eye-catching, but easy to find, the Home Depot offers bistro, conversation, and dining sets to suit the décor you are creating. White-screened lanterns add the perfect understated lighting.

The solitary retreat

• Urban: Create a backyard getaway with a gazebo and decorate with a variety of hanging baskets. For lazy days, outfit your sanctuary with drapery panels and wile away the hours in the breeze.

• Zen: To create a calm corner in even the tiniest of outdoor arenas, set up a sleek metal lounger or string a hammock in a secluded corner. Define the space with a few sculptural evergreens.

Regardless of preference for a lounge, dining room, or private sanctuary, the effort you make this season is going to be an instant, stress-free home addition. More information and guidance is available at www.homedepot.ca, including the patio buying guide and inspiration gallery.

Like A Hawke, Susan

Thursday 3 April 2014

Transform your cocktail cart to a salad cart

(NC) The bar cart is a trendy item that has entered Canadian homes. It is perfect for entertaining and offering your guests a number of beverage options. Another great use for a bar cart is to transform it into a salad cart. Inside or out, here are some tips so your guests can customize their salads at your next family gathering:

Optional ingredients - options are vital so that your guests can create their own custom salads. Having a variety of greens and other ingredients and including both savoury and sweet flavours allows your guests to create their own delicious masterpieces in no time at all.

Bowl vs. Plate – some people have the preference of enjoying their salad in a bowl versus a plate. Give your guest the benefit of choice and offer up both on your cart.

Toppings – Offer a variety of toppings such as croutons, seeds and berries and chopped vegetables and arrange them in separate glass bowls.

Dress it up differently – everyone has their own preference of salad dressing, some like light vinaigrette, and some like a creamier thicker dressing. Providing a variety of salad dressings will please your guests' taste buds and get them thinking about creating their own salad. Marzetti Simply Dressed is very popular because it is made with extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and canola oil.

Wednesday 2 April 2014

Five mortgage market truths, like you can do better than 2.99%

Here are five things you need to know about the mortgage market as the spring home-buying season gets going:

1. That 2.99 per cent Bank of Montreal five-year mortgage isn’t quite as good as it sounds.

2. You can do better than 2.99 per cent.

3. We will see wide open rate competition this spring.

4. Variable-rate mortgages are looking good.

5. The banks will crush you if you want to break your mortgage.

Read the full Globe and Mail article here.

Globe and Mail Mortgage Section here.

Like A Hawke, Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

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Wednesday 30 April 2014

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